Hundreds Back Petition Against Private Street Warden Patrol Plans

More than 300 people have signed a petition opposing plans for private security patrols in Market Harborough and other towns.

Reform UK Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews wants to recruit “street wardens” from private security firms to help tackle shoplifting and anti-social behaviour, with £2 million set aside for the scheme.

But campaigners say the money should instead be used to recruit more police officers, arguing wardens would not have the same powers or training.

The Leicestershire Police Federation says it also opposes the plans, describing them as a move towards the privatisation of policing.

Unison, the police staff union, also criticised the proposal, warning that diverting funding to private security risks undermining neighbourhood policing and highlighting the value of trained officers and PCSOs.

Cllr Phil King, Deputy Leader of Harborough District Council, said residents want “real police officers and PCSOs on the beat, not private security guards with no powers of arrest”, adding that when communities rarely see officers on patrol it can look like “a publicity stunt rather than a serious crime-fighting strategy”.

Rupert Matthews outside Market Harborough Police Station

Mr Matthews says there is strong evidence from other areas that street wardens are a “cost-effective, practical and community-focused” way to deter crime and free up police time.

He says they would work in pairs, be linked to CCTV, and trained in de-escalation, safeguarding and mental health awareness, with performance data used to guide future expansion.

A tender process is due to begin shortly, with wardens expected to be in place before Christmas.